Christmas Dress 2016

I have had the idea to sew a special Christmas dress the last few years, but I never found a fabric and pattern combination that really spoke to me til this past year, 2016. I've been wanting a matching dress and coat for several years. You don't find these sets in stores very often, though you can find patterns to sew your own. And that's exactly what I did.

My inspiration was the classic sets from the 1950s and 1960s. Also, the Duchess of Cambridge has recently worn several beautiful ensembles that I have really loved. Here's a couple patterns I found in my stash.

This is from the '60s. So cute, but I don't like sleeveless dresses. I get too cold.

Ok, so I couldn't wear this one, but I had to include it anyway. PRECIOUS!

A modern pattern. I like the dress.

This is the pattern that I eventually chose. It is a vintage reprint, Simplicity 1284.

And my version

I made the short sleeve dress and the coat.

I had this burgundy plaid wool (perhaps a blend of several fibers?) in the stash. It was short of the length required for the dress and coat, but I really had my heart set on a matching set.

Now, I said that my fabric was short of the length that was required. This is one time I am thankful for being short. I was able to fit it all my pattern pieces by shorting the length 4 inches (I think) in both the dress and coat. I originally wanted to make the bracelet length sleeves for the dress, but wasn't quite able to fit it on my fabric. So, short sleeves would have to do.

The yoke of the dress was cut on the bias (diagonally across the fabric) to create interest and the body was cut straight to maximize fabric economy.

To make the coat heavier and more substantial, I used a light iron-on interfacing on all the coat pieces. I also lined it in cotton flannel for warmth. A not-quite-matching-but-close-enough burgundy lining finished the coat. The coat lacks any collar or cuffs, which made faster to sew. I didn't realize that the sleeves were bracelet length (midway between wrist and elbow: so-called, I assume, because sleeves this length allows you to shows off your bracelet).

Someday, I'll make some cute blue accessories. Apparently, I don't ever wear blue. Not a blue belt, hat, shoe or scarf was found. I love it anyway and I finished it in time for our special Christmas church service at the church where I sing in the choir. Of course, a new dress isn't as fun when you have to cover it up with a choir robe. C'est le vie.

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